Vikings vs. Cowboys point spread and pick — Dallas a covering machine

A lean on the total

Owner Jerry Jones isn’t happy with his team’s 4-4 record, but Dallas backers have gone to the window more often than anyone else, thanks to the Cowboys' 7-1 record against the spread. They’ll look to cash a fifth straight time Sunday when they host the reeling Minnesota Vikings (1-6 straight up, 2-5 ATS) at Cowboys Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX).

The Cowboys are coming off a stunning meltdown in Detroit, when they allowed the Lions to go 80 yards in 50 seconds with no timeouts for the game-winning touchdown. Receiver Dez Bryant unleashed a few sideline tirades during the loss, but his teammates have defended him this week as passionate and say it won’t be a problem going forward.

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier announced Friday that Christian Ponder will start over Josh Freeman at quarterback. Neither is a strong option. Ponder bombed in Week 8 against the Packers, while Freeman was horrific in the Week 7 loss at the Giants.

Line: Cowboys -10, Total: 47.5

Line movement and notes: This game anywhere from Dallas -9.5 to -11, but on Friday, nearly every sports book in Las Vegas was dealing -10.

History and trends: The Vikings are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games and 1-5 ATS in their last six vs. the NFC. … The Cowboys are 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games against losing teams. … The favorite is 9-0 ATS in the last nine meetings. … The OVER is 6-1 in Minnesota’s last seven games. … The OVER is 6-2 in Dallas’ last eight home games. ... These teams last met in 2010, with the Vikings winning, 24-21, at home.

Vikings outlook: Frazier won’t consider Matt Cassel, who led the team to its only victory, because Cassel isn't viewed as a long-term answer. Between Ponder and Freeman, it hasn't mattered who's started. The Vikes rank 30th overall with a 69.6 passer rating. Adrian Peterson has gotten just 36 carries over the last three games, gaining a paltry 150 yards.

The defense has been atrocious, ranking 30th in points allowed (32.1) and 31st in yards allowed (402.7 per game). Minnesota did not force a punt or turnover in its 44-31 loss to the Packers. Defensive end Jared Allen was nearly traded before the deadline, but Minnesota ended up holding onto him. He has 4.5 sacks this season, 121.5 in his career.

Cowboys outlook: Running back DeMarco Murray is expected to return from his sprained MCL to boost an already clicking offense. The Cowboys are 11-0 SU when Murray gets at least 18 carries. Tony Romo has thrown for 18 touchdowns against five interceptions while completing 66.1 percent of his throws for a 101.7 passer rating. Dallas ranks fourth in scoring at 28.8 points per game.

The Cowboys miss defensive end DeMarcus Ware, who’s expected to be out a third straight game with a quad strain. They rank dead last in yards allowed (422.5) and passing yards allowed (315.4), but it’s doubtful the Vikings can take advantage through the air.

Key injuries: Cowboys WR Miles Austin (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, but it’s no concern because Terrance Williams is playing so well opposite Dez Bryant. Ware also did not practice. But Murray practiced in full.

Dallas lost RG Brian Waters, a six-time Pro Bowler, to a torn triceps last week. Replacement Mackenzy Bernadeau is a big downgrade.

Vikings WR Greg Jennings hurt his knee late in the loss to Green Bay, and did not practice Wednesday.

The Linemakers' lean: The line here is a little inflated, more than any number the Cowboys have had posted on them all season, but it’s not big enough to side with the Vikings. A lack of defense, and Ponder somehow being able to lead the team to points, have marked Minnesota's season. The Vikings have gone OVER in six of seven games this season, and the Cowboys allowed more yards per game than any team in the league. OVER 47.5 is the way to go here.